Balderas tapped by Tribe as manager of Choctaw Shopping Center

Sandy Balderas has been named general manager of the Choctaw Shopping Center Enterprise.  

"I feel great about being hired as a General Manager for the Choctaw Shopping Center Enterprise," Balderas said of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. "It's a new avenue than my previous field, but I am excited to fulfill this job." 

Balderas, who has worked with Choctaw Federal Credit Union in the Choctaw Town Center for the past 10 years, said she started her new position as general manager approximately three weeks ago. 

Balderas said she is looking forward to ensuring Choctaw Shopping Centers tenants are being taken care of and ensuring the shopping center is in tip-top shape. 

"I hope to bring in more businesses to the Choctaw Town Center," Balderas said. 

The Choctaw Shopping Center consists of office/building space for any business. 

Balderas said she hopes to bring businesses in that both the Tribal community and non-Tribal communities will visit.

Currently, the Choctaw Shopping Center houses the Piggly Wiggly, Trustmark Bank, Fluff & Fold Laundromat, Patridge Propane, Choctaw Federal Credit Union, Choctaw Post Office, Choctaw Housing and Loan Program, Rez Nutrition, Seasonal Tenant H&R Block, Pearl River Insurance, El Rodeo as well as the Fitness center. 

Balderas lives in the Tucker community with her husband, Evaristo Balderas. They have been married for 11 years and have five children and one grandson. 

Balderas holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Belhaven University. 

"I am currently studying accounting at Mississippi State University with an expected graduation date of December 2022," Balderas said. 

Some of her hobbies include working with beads, making traditional attire for her children and grandson and spending time with family and friends grilling and enjoying each other's company. 

"We love traveling and visiting places as a family," Balderas said.